Explore the evolution of Virginia's roadside lodging along U.S. Route 1, once the main highway for travel along the East Coast, through this exhibition of vintage and current photographs. Early and mid-20th century travelers along Route 1 stopped at camps, motor courts, roadside cottages, and motels to take a break from the hours of driving. Often locally owned, these businesses were full of the local flavor of the area. Today, in the shadows of the bright lights of the Holiday Inns, Best Westerns, and the Hiltons, the remnants of Virginia's roadside culture can still be seen through its rusted signs, overgrown lots, boarded windows, and re-purposed buildings.

Photographs of animals dominate the web. From the cute to the ridiculous, millions of pet images are viewed and shared each day. The historical precedent for this online phenomenon can be found in The Importance of Being Cute. This entertaining exhibition focuses on the relationships that have existed between Virginians and their pets since the advent of photography. Vintage images from the Library of Virginia's collection allow visitors to explore more than a century and a half of pet photography, including photographs from Victorian cartes de visite, cabinet cards, and original glass plate negatives. Today's visitors will be able to participate by submitting a picture of their furry loved ones to become part of the exhibition.

Virginia General Assembly in Session. Parking at the Library will be very limited.Wednesday, January 08, 2014 — Saturday, March 08, 2014
Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Please note that the Virginia General Assembly, the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World, will be in session for 60 days beginning January 8. Parking for Library of Virginia patrons will be very limited during that time because construction on the Ninth Street Office Building is closing the gravel parking lot at Ninth and Broad streets.